Agenda item

The Cabinet considered a report of the Corporate Director of Regeneration, Economy and Growth which sought approval to adopt the County Durham Inclusive Economic Strategy Delivery Plan developed through and owned by the County Durham Economic Partnership (CDEP) (for copy of report see file of minutes).

Councillor E Scott, Cabinet Portfolio Holder for Economy and Partnerships informed Cabinet that the strategy had provided the catalyst to unite partners, stakeholders, and businesses around a bold and ambitious vision for the future. The use of the delivery plan allows a focus to find new and innovative ways of working that will allow the vision to be realised. The collaborative approach used throughout the development of the strategy had helped build new relationships with delivery partners who have welcomed the Council’s open, positive and supportive approach. Councillor Scott placed on record her thanks to the team and partners for all the time and energy they had invested. The delivery plan provided real actions which would deliver tangible change in the economy and for communities in County Durham. The forthcoming investment plan would leave the Council best placed to secure external investment and benefit from the opportunities presented by North East Devolution. It was vital that the momentum built up over the last few years was maintained and all elected members had a crucial role in developing and promoting the strategy and plan. Councillor Scott acknowledged the continual, significant challenges, however, she pointed out that identifying, promoting opportunities in all communities would help ensure that as many people as possible could contribute to, and benefit from growth.

Councillor John Shuttleworth, Cabinet Portfolio Holder for Rural Communities and Highways said that the development of the plan had undergone a rigorous, inclusive process that provided valuable insights for the new plans. The time spent engaging with elected members and partners would help ensure that the strategy and delivery plan was realistic.

Councillor Chris Hood, Cabinet Portfolio Holder for Adult and Health Services explained that the economy was a key determinant of good health. In recent years, the links between public health and economic development had gained much prominence. The COVID-19 pandemic was swiftly followed by the cost of living crisis, and both put the interdependency of economy and health firmly in the spotlight. Economic development and the benefits that flowed from it were consistently associated with improved life expectancy. Good health was crucial to improve productivity. Economic growth and health considerations are front and centre of driving such growth. This is particularly relevant when we consider drivers of poor health and public health priorities, such as smoking and poor mental health. In County Durham it was pleasing to note that we were forging ahead with strategies, policies and programmes of work created through close collaboration between regeneration, economy and growth. The key product of our work was set out in the County Durham Inclusive Economic Strategy, which placed inclusivity from the centre, setting out a framework that included people as a priority. This placed a focus on old County Durham residents, particularly those who may be distant from the jobs market to get them into education, training and jobs that would enable them to benefit from the social and economic benefits that flow from and feed into economic activity.

Resolved:

That the recommendation in the report be approved.